A recent analysis published by a popular Bangla daily has brought attention to the noticeable absence of coordination within the BNP’s Foreign Relations Committee, evident in various aspects of the party’s functioning. Consequently, the party is encountering recurrent challenges in attaining its intended objectives. The party’s leadership has recognized the deficiency in coordination as a contributing factor to the unsuccessful outcome of the sit-in demonstration at Dhaka’s entrance on July 29. This lack of coordination isn’t limited to the party’s internal matters; it has also emerged as a significant impediment in the efforts to foster strong relationships with influential nations.
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FRC’s dormancy
Reports indicate that the Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) is currently experiencing a state of inactivity. Despite the imperative to enhance the committee’s engagement in light of the upcoming election, only one meeting has been convened since its establishment. A lack of information dissemination has left numerous members unaware of the committee’s undertakings. A small group has formed a syndicate that wields comprehensive control, resulting in the marginalization of others. This trend has caused the waning participation of many members, subsequently leading to a gradual deterioration in diplomatic relations rather than their reinforcement. This overall performance of the FRC has left policy makers disheartened, and the party’s leadership is also vexed due to the observable lack of harmonization.
It’s been noted that the BNP has struggled historically to fortify its diplomatic ties. Countries once considered close allies have drifted away from the party’s sphere of influence. Additionally, factions opposing the government have found it challenging to cultivate favorable relationships with these nations. Following the 2018 election, the party encountered difficulties in raising awareness about electoral irregularities on the international stage.
Given this context, the Foreign Relations Committee, consisting of 21 members, was established in February 2019, with Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, assuming the role of chairman. The committee’s objective was to bolster diplomatic endeavors.
Manipulation by a syndicate
Following the committee’s establishment, a select few individuals came together to form a controlling group known as a syndicate. This syndicate’s members wield influence over all interactions with diplomats and the orchestration of events intended to honor them. Numerous individuals have become entangled in the syndicate’s coercive tactics, effectively silencing any dissenting voices. Despite the palpable unease, few senior leaders have shared insights under the condition of anonymity. Shama Obaid, a committee member, declined to comment on the matter, instead suggesting contacting the committee’s chairman for further information.
Diminishing interest from diplomats
It has come to light that the participation of foreign diplomats in BNP’s events, organized to honor diplomats from various countries stationed in Dhaka, is steadily declining.
Recently, representatives from a few nations attended two such BNP events. However, due to a lack of adherence to diplomatic protocol in briefing the media about meeting agendas, the relations between BNP’s foreign committee and these two regions have suffered.
One of these countries is situated in Europe, while the other belongs to the Asia Pacific region. BNP leaders express discontent over the absence of proper diplomatic decorum from most embassies in Dhaka. Rather than proactive efforts to enhance relationships, interactions with foreign nations tend to be limited to routine briefings or occasional special meetings. Consequently, the international committee’s efforts to foster positive connections with foreigners have not yielded favorable results.
BNP’s International Relations Committee, tasked with providing foreigners with insights into Bangladesh’s political landscape, organizes various programs for this purpose. The head of the International Committee mentioned that, ahead of the July 29 sit-in program, foreign diplomats were encouraged to engage actively. However, following the altercation involving Awami League members and the police during the program, the expected response from diplomats did not materialize.
During the sit-in event at Dhaka’s entrance, a confrontation with the police erupted, leading to an exchange of violence. Diplomats were informed about this incident on August 2. Regrettably, only 9 countries were represented, and no ambassador was in attendance. Instead, representatives from certain countries sent embassy officials who lacked diplomatic credentials. Nonetheless, the event’s organizers claim that diplomats from 25 countries were present on that occasion.
Fury erupts among decision-makers
Profound exasperation reverberated among the party’s key decision-makers due to these developments. A policy-maker expressed their intense displeasure, stating to a Foreign Affairs Committee member, “There’s no point in inviting an ambassador if they can’t attend the event.” Subsequently, on August 14, a seminar was held in Gulshan, the capital’s district, and only representatives from four countries were in attendance.
Members of the committee have voiced grievances about the committee’s lack of cohesive endeavors to enhance relations with foreign entities. There exists a dearth of coordination among the members, and their engagement is limited to events solely associated with the Committee on International Relations. They are extended invitations exclusively as committee members to partake in such events.
Barrister Rumin Farhana, a prominent figure within the FRC, exhibited considerable activity a few months prior, her presence noted at various events. However, her visibility has dwindled recently, attributed to a decision made by the syndicate to marginalize her.
Addressing this situation, Rumin Farhana stated, “I didn’t deem it necessary, so I refrained from reaching out.” Nonetheless, she affirmed that she maintains regular contact with foreign embassies, particularly those representing Western countries.
Seeking closer ties with the United States
Recent attempts by the BNP to establish stronger connections with the United States encountered obstacles. Notably, the party was unable to arrange a separate meeting with two US Congressmen. Similarly, the representative from the International Republican Institute (IRI) was unsuccessful in coordinating a meeting with BNP’s International Relations Committee during their visit to Bangladesh. Interestingly, the IRI representative did manage to participate in a private dinner hosted by a prominent BNP leader. Curiously, the recent report on Bangladesh by the IRI has been withheld from the International Affairs Committee of the BNP. Consequently, the committee couldn’t formulate a response to the findings, resulting in criticism of the party for its perceived weak response.
Recently, two members of BNP’s international committee traveled to the United States. Despite their extended stay in the country, these leaders were unable to secure meetings with any significant officials from the State Department.
Influence of the syndicate and the response from high command
Whenever the syndicate manages to accomplish a task with the assistance of other committee members, it boasts to the high command, attributing the success solely to its own efforts. Although the high command was initially uninformed about this dynamic, it has since become aware of the true nature of these occurrences. Subsequently, committee members have become less cooperative with this strategy upon learning about it, leading to some complications for the syndicate.
According to insider sources, influential countries have communicated to the BNP high command their reservations concerning a prominent leader within the diplomatic wing. These countries have conveyed their intention not to engage with this leader. Recently, Germany also communicated a similar stance. However, no one else has been entrusted with the responsibility of forging stronger ties with these nations.
Many key members of the diplomatic wing maintain favorable relationships with a neighboring country, often engaging in various forms of communication on a daily basis. Regrettably, this neighboring country has yet to form a positive impression of the BNP.
It’s apparent that the syndicate imposes limitations on others even when it struggles to accomplish tasks itself. The syndicate dispatched correspondence to the embassies of every country represented in Bangladesh, designating three individuals as official points of contact on behalf of the party. It has explicitly discouraged communication with anyone beyond these designated contacts. Consequently, although representatives of certain countries have regular interactions with other committee members, they are refraining from such engagements for personal reasons.
A senior member of the FRC, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed that tarnishing a foreign country’s embassy does not constitute diplomacy. True diplomacy necessitates a grasp of geopolitics and up-to-date awareness of global events. Unfortunately, those who are responsible for cultivating diplomatic relations lack these crucial insights, even denying senior leaders the opportunity to contribute effectively.
A mere few individuals engaged in these efforts perceive themselves as high-profile figures, while the majority do not view themselves as leaders in their capacity. Consequently, despite having the chance, our endeavors to foster positive connections with influential nations are falling short. There remains an opportunity for the High Command to profoundly reflect on this issue.
The recent analysis sheds light on the critical issues that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) faces in terms of internal coordination and its pursuit of strong international relations. The lack of harmony within the party, as highlighted by the inactivity of the Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) and the influence of a syndicate, is hindering BNP’s efforts to establish fruitful connections with influential countries. The fading interest from diplomats, challenges in dealing with powerful nations, and the complexities of the syndicate’s dynamics paint a complex picture of BNP’s diplomatic endeavors.
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